Palestine and Syria have secured their places in the Round of 16 of the 2023 Asian Cup as two of the best third-placed teams. Meanwhile, the Indonesian national team must fight for their survival against Japan in their third Group D match at Al Thumama Stadium today (January 24, 2024) at 6:30 PM WIB.
The Palestinian national team made history by qualifying for the Round of 16 of the Asian Cup for the first time after thrashing Hong Kong 3-0 in their Group C match at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium on Tuesday (January 23, 2024). The Lions of Canaan's victory was secured by goals from Oday Dabbagh (12', 60') and Zeid Qunbar (48').
A few hours earlier, Syria had already secured their place in the Round of 16 of the 2023 Asian Cup as one of the best third-placed teams. In their final Group B match, Syria managed to beat India 1-0 thanks to a single goal from Omar Khribin (76').
According to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) website, Palestine and Syria both have four points. However, the Lions of Canaan are ranked higher due to superior goal difference.
Bahrain is currently in third place in the best third-placed teams standings with three points.
Before the Syria vs. India and Hong Kong vs. Palestine matches, the Indonesian national team was in second place. However, the Garuda team has now dropped to fourth place with three points.
Indonesia is ranked below Bahrain due to receiving more yellow cards. Indonesia has -4 disciplinary points, while Bahrain has -3.
China and Oman are in fifth and sixth place, respectively, in the best third-placed teams standings of the 2023 Asian Cup. Oman still has a chance to improve their position as they have one remaining match against Kyrgyzstan on Thursday (January 25, 2024).
Here is the ranking of the best third-placed teams in the 2023 Asian Cup as of January 23, 2024:
1. Palestine: 4 points
2. Syria: 4 points
3. Bahrain: 3 points
4. Indonesia: 3 points
5. China: 2 points
6. Oman: 1 point